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No more guessing what the 2014 Chevrolet Stingray series' Convertible version will look like as General Motors has just released the first official photos of the car, a few days before it makes its world premiere in Switzerland and the 83rd edition of the Geneva International Auto Salon.Both images show the Corvette Stingray Convertible from a 3/4 profile angle, with or without its soft-top in the upright position.General Motors hasn't shared any information about the car yet, but the rear spoiler and other details like the hood vents point to a Z51 package-equipped model, which also includes some performance upgrades such as an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, and integral brake, differential and transmission cooling.Under the hood you'll find the same 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine rated for 450-horses and 450 lb-ft (610 Nm) of peak torque connected to either a 7-speed manual gearbox or an automatic transmission as the coupe.We'll keep you updated on the Corvette Stingray Convertible as soon as GM comes out with more details.PHOTO GALLERY
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The new Corvette Stingray Convertible made its first public outing at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show today, and we must admit, it looks as good, if not better, in the flesh than what the renderings (?) and the official studio shots hinted at.Chevrolet says the new Corvette Stingray was designed from the get-go to be offered as a convertible model, and as a result, the only structural changes compared to the coupe are limited to accommodations for the folding top and repositioned safety belt mounts.According to Chevrolet, since no structural reinforcements were required for the convertible, both Stingray models share almost identical power-to-weight ratios."With the all-new Corvette Stingray, we designed and developed the coupe and convertible simultaneously," said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design. "As a result, the Corvette Stingray offers an open-top driving experience with no compromise in performance, technology or design."The Corvette Stingray Convertible is fitted with a fully automatic top that can be opened or closed remotely using the key fob from the outside, and at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31mph) when inside.Like the coupe, the soft-top version is powered by GM's new LT1 6.2-liter V8 delivering an estimated 450 horsepower and 450 lb-ft (610 Nm) of peak torque, paired to either a 7-speed manual gearbox or an automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.Customers can also fit the convertible with the track-capable Z51 Performance Package, which includes the following items: an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling, as well as a unique aero package to improve high-speed stability."We wanted the driving experience of the Corvette to live up to the performance expectations that come with the ‘Stingray’ name,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “Because it was designed from the beginning as an open top car, the Corvette Stingray delivers an exhilarating, connected driving experience - no matter what configuration you choose.”Both the Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible will arrive in global markets in late 2013.According to GM, changes for Corvettes destined for export "vary only in equipment required to accommodate the respective markets’ regulations, such as lighting, headlamp washers, and outside mirrors".PHOTO GALLERY
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Ever since its inception in 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette has always been America's bargain sports – and sometimes, super-car (think ZR1). Despite all the improvements and advances made to the new, seventh generation model, General Motors will keep this tradition with the 2014 Corvette Stingray, the prices of which were announced today.The base coupe model starts at $51,995 (equal to €39,910 at today's exchange rates), while thesoft-top convertible has a starting retail price of $56,995 (€43,800), with both MSRPs including a $995 destination fee. We'll remind you that the base models are powered by GM's new LT1 6.2-liter V8 delivering 450hp linked to a standard 7sp manual, or an optional automatic transmission driving the rear set of wheels.
Not bad at all, especially considering that the current 430hp C6 Corvette retails for $50,595 (including destination fee), which means Chevrolet increased the price by just $1,400. It also remains cheaper than the base 275hp Porsche Cayman that starts at $53,550 (including a $950 handling and delivery charge).
“The 2014 Corvette Stingray perfectly embodies Chevrolet’s mission to deliver more than expected for our customers,” commented Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet marketing. “The Corvette Stingray delivers a combination of performance, design and technology that very few manufacturers can match, and none can even come close for $52,000.”
As for the standard features on the base versions of the 2014 Corvette Stingray, Chevrolet issued the following list:
- Seating with lightweight magnesium frames for exceptional support, and eight-way power adjustment
- Five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors up to 12 vehicle attributes
- New seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching
- 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine with direct injection, Active Fuel Management, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system
- Carbon fiber hood on all models, and a carbon fiber removable roof panel on coupes
- Aluminum frame that is 99 pounds lighter (45 kg) and 57-percent stiffer than the previous model’s structure
- Advanced, high-intensity discharge (HID) and light-emitting diode (LED) lighting
- Dual, eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens, with next-generation Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system and rear vision camera
- Bose nine-speaker audio system with SiriusXM Satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and SD card and auxiliary input jack
- Keyless access with push-button start
- Power tilt/telescope steering wheel
- An all-new, fully electronic top on the convertible that can be lowered remotely using the key fob
If you're wondering about the cost of the full-spec Corvette Stingray that was displayed at theDetroit Motor Show earlier this year and which includes the Z51 performance kit ($2,800), GM tells us that it's priced at $73,360. It came with the following extras:
- 3LT interior package, with leather-wrapped interior ($8,005)
- Z51 Performance Package ($2,800)
- Competition sports seats ($2,495)
- Exposed-carbon-fiber roof panel ($1,995)
- Magnetic Ride Control with Performance Traction Management ($1,795)
- Dual-mode exhaust system ($1,195)
- Carbon fiber interior trim ($995)
- Sueded, microfiber-wrapped upper interior trim ($995)
- Red-painted calipers ($595)
- Black-painted wheels ($495)
The 3LT interior package includes: Bose 10-speaker surround-sound audio system; SiriusXM Satellite radio with one-year subscription and HD radio receiver; color head-up display; memory package; navigation system; heated and ventilated seats with power lumbar and bolster adjustment; premium Napa leather seating surfaces; and leather-wrapped dash and instrument panel, console and door panels.
The Z51 Performance Package includes: high-performance gear ratios; transmission-cooling system; larger 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels and tires; larger, slotted rotors and brake-cooling ducts; electronic limited-slip differential and differential cooling system; unique chassis tuning; and available Magnetic Ride Control active-handling system with Performance Traction Management. Equipped with the Z51 package, the Corvette Stingray is capable of accelerating from 0–60 mph in under four seconds, and more than 1 g in cornering.
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